Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused tells trial he suffered "decades of abuse" at hands of partner

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 November 2018, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 59‑year‑old partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, who died on 23 May 2016 in their Dublin home. Duffy told the court that he had been abused for decades by Sullivan and that he was acting in self‑defence when he pushed Sullivan in the bedroom after a drunken argument. He claimed he had no intention to harm Sullivan and that he had tried to leave the house but was prevented from doing so. Duffy also recounted that he had stayed with Sullivan for 36 years despite the abuse, and that he had been emotionally devastated by the loss. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, was set to continue the following day with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused tells trial he suffered "decades of abuse" at hands of partner. Charges or matters: the murder of Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59) at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6 on May 23, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 23, 2016 Incident
• 2018-11-15 Publication

Why: He had been walking the streets because Mr Sullivan had thrown "every pot plant in the garden at him". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report